Metro

Senate boots shamed Hiram

ALBANY — Hiram Monserrate got the heave-ho tonight.

The state Senate voted overwhelmingly to give the convicted Queens Democrat a new title, ex-senator, making him persona non grata in the chamber he helped throw into chaos during last summer’s coup fiasco.

The historic 53-8 vote makes Monserrate the first state legislator expelled by his colleagues since 1861.

The action came amid cries of favoritism, racism and political retribution from Monserrate and his allies, including his fellow coup conspirator, Senate Majority Leader Pedro Espada Jr. (D-Bronx).

Before the final tally was read aloud, Monserrate recounted how “dozens” of state lawmakers had been allowed to keep their seats despite convictions no more serious than the misdemeanor domestic-violence charge of which he was found guilty in October.

“This is an effort by some in this body to publicly demonstrate that it is going to expiate all of its sins,” Monserrate told his colleagues in the chamber. “Hiram Monserrate is the perfect scapegoat for your absolution.”

Monserrate charged that the action was illegal and unconstitutional, and disenfranchised the constituents in his district.

He pledged a federal lawsuit immediately to reverse the action.

The retired cop and former city councilman was convicted in October of roughing up his girlfriend, Karla Giraldo. He was acquitted of three related felony charges, including deliberately cutting her face with broken glass, that would have resulted in his automatic expulsion.

A special committee appointed by Senate Democratic Conference Leader John Sampson to weigh potential punishments for Monserrate recommended the Senate consider both expulsion and censure. Senate Democrats huddled behind closed doors for nearly five hours debating Monserrate’s fate.

Sampson, of Brooklyn, favored a compromise that would have censured Monserrate while allowing him to keep his seat until his appeal on the criminal conviction played out in the courts.

All 29 Republicans present were joined by 24 Democrats in voting for expulsion. Eight Democrats voted no.

“It became evidently clear to me that Senator Monserrate was no longer fit to serve in this body,” said Sen. Diane Savino (D-Brooklyn). “His behavior was so egregious that he could not adequately represent his constituents.”

Sen. Neil Breslin (D-Albany) agreed: “It’s a very positive step forward to cleaning up the New York state Senate.”

Until Monserrate’s seat is filled, Democrats will lack the crucial 32nd vote necessary to pass legislation over unified Republican opposition. Already, Sen. Ruben Diaz Sr. (D-Bronx) suggested he might make good on his threat to leave the Democratic conference because of the action against Monserrate, an ally and a fellow Puerto Rican.

“Now, I am a free man,” Diaz said. “Free at last.”